Ellington

Parents & Kids Magazine's Back-To-School Pajama Party. The program for children in grades K-2 includes dancing, singing, stories, food and goody bags. Blankets welcome. The first 100 children receive a surprise fitness gift. Pre-registration required. Free; call 601-366-0901; email [email protected]. • July 30, 6 p.m., at YMCA Downtown Jackson (800 E. River Place). • Aug. 2, 6 p.m., at YMCA Ridgeland (888 Avery Blvd. North, Ridgeland).

Through July 31

Adult Summer Library Program. The Mississippi Library Commission selects winners from among adults ages 21 and older of the Adult Summer Library Programs at participating public library systems. Adults either participate in a traditional reading program or introduce literacy skills to children ages 5 and younger through books and activities. Prizes from 11 casinos include free hotel stays, meals and activity certificates. Registrations dates and times vary for each library. The drawing is held July 31. Call 601-432-4056.

Wednesday, Aug. 1

10 a.m., Outreach Expo 2012, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). Learn about benefits that people on fixed incomes can receives such as free state IDs, senior citizen services and making homes more energy efficient. Free; call 601-982-8467.

11:30 a.m., JSU Veterans Center Grand Opening, at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.), in the first floor of the Jacob L. Reddix Building. The center provides student support services for military veterans, service members, dependents and survivors. Free; call 601-979-2272.

Noon, "History Is Lunch," at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Author John Pritchard talks about his books "Junior Ray" and "The Yazoo Blues." Bring lunch; coffee and water provided. Free. Free; call 601-576-6998.

Noon, 2012 Light the Night Kickoff, at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.). Registration at 11:30 a.m. The kickoff for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's fundraiser will provide the opportunity to network with others, learn easy ways to fundraise, and ensure you have the tools you need to reach your goal. Lunch served. Free; call 601-956-7447; lightthenight.org/msla.

Through Aug. 1

5000 Pencil Drive, at University of Phoenix, Jackson Campus (Stone Creek Blvd., Flowood). Donate pencils for Mississippi Children's Home Services by Aug. 1. The goal is 5000 pencils. Free; call 601-664-9505.

Thursday, Aug. 2

8 a.m.-5 p.m., Greening Fondren Conference, at Fondren Hall (4330 N. State St.). Learn how to improve the environment through adding greenspaces. Registration required for lunch. Free workshop, $10 lunch; call 601-672-0755; email [email protected].

10 a.m.-2 p.m., Small Business Expo, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The Minority Business Network provides information for small business owners and those that are interested in starting a business. Free; call 601-750-2367; email [email protected].

5-8 p.m., Fondren After 5. This monthly event showcases the local shops, galleries and restaurants of the Fondren neighborhood. Free; call 601-981-9606; fondren.org.

5:30-7 p.m., Green Home Mortgage Seminar, at Sal and Mookie's (565 Taylor St.). At PiE Lounge. Learn the benefits of home ownership and how to save money by being an environmentally-conscious homeowner. Topics include first-time homebuyer programs, FHA rehabilitation mortgages and energy-efficient mortgages. RSVP. Free; call 601-982-1153, ext. 5; email [email protected].

6 p.m., Precinct 1 COPS Meeting, at Jackson Police Department, Precinct 1 (810 Cooper Road). These monthly forums are designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Free; call 601-960-0001.

6 p.m., Beatin' the Blues with NAMI Mississippi, at Hal & Mal's (200 Commerce St.). Enjoy a silent auction, heavy hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and music from the Mississippi Go Band. Proceeds benefit NAMI Mississippi, a local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Sponsorships available. $60, $100 couples; call 601-899-9058.

6 p.m., Jackson Technology and Startup Meetup, in the skybox of the HAC Athletic Center. Those who work in or are interested in technology, business or marketing are encouraged to attend. The goal is to build a local technology and entrepreneurship network. Free; call 601-919-5265; find the Jackson Tech Startup Group on meetup.com.

Friday, Aug. 3

8-9 a.m., Coffee and Contacts, at Trustmark National Bank, Highland Colony (1029 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland). The Madison County Chamber of Commerce hosts the monthly networking event. Bring at least 50 business cards. Free; call 601-605-2554.

Mississippi Wildlife Extravaganza, at Mississippi Trade Mart (1200 Mississippi St.). Come for hunting and fishing exhibits, lectures and animal demonstrations. Come for hunting and fishing exhibits, lectures and animal demonstrations. Open Aug. 3 from 3-9 p.m., Aug. 4, from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Aug. 5 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Kids 12 and under get in free on Kids Day, Aug. 3. $10, $20 weekend pass, $5 ages 6-12, ages 5 and under free; call 601-605-1790.

Saturday, Aug. 4

7 a.m., Bikes, Blues and Bayous Cycling Event, at Front Street, Greenwood. The annual bike ride is the largest in Mississippi. Choose from three courses, and enjoy Southern food and blues music at the rest stops. Register by July 20 for a $5 discount. Welcome party Aug. 3 at Alluvian Hotel (318 Howard St., Greenwood). $45-$45; bikesbluesbayous.com.

7:30 a.m., Run for the Son 5K, at First Baptist Church of Jackson (431 N. State St.). Awards and door prizes given. Teams must pre-register. Proceeds from the race benefit Mission First, a nonprofit that offers legal and health services. $10-$75; call 601-949-1947; fbcj.org.

8:30 a.m., Rankin County Democrats Monthly Breakfast, at Corner Bakery (108 Market St., Flowood). On first Saturdays, Jackson-area Democrats meet for breakfast and discuss current political activities. Open to the public. Free with food for sale; rankindemocrats.net.

9 a.m.-noon, Community Health Fair at Pilgrim Rest M.B. Church (852A Madison Ave., Madison). The fair includes blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, dental, BMI and vision screenings. Get medical advice from local health providers. Free; call 601-856-2609.

10 a.m.-2 p.m., LEGO DUPLO Read! Build! Play! at Mississippi Children's Museum (2145 Highland Drive). The program for children under 5 includes guided activities, songs and creative play. Also held Aug. 5 from 1:30-5:30 p.m. $8; call 601-981-5469; mississippichildrensmuseum.com.

10 a.m., MIRS Steak Championship, at Burgers and Blues (1060 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland). Make It Rain Sports hosts the cook-off. The top three teams receive cash and prizes. Judges include WLBT meteorologist Barbie Bassett and Jay White from Mississippi Sports This Morning (620 AM). Teams must register. $50 entry fee; call 601-899-0038.

2-6 p.m., First Day Back to School Celebration and Supply Giveaway, at Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagoula St.). The event includes giveaways for up to 5,000 JPS students, entertainment, family activities and information on educational services. Free; call 601-960-1084 or 601-960-2378.

7 p.m., Laugh Away SMA, at Hinds Community College, Rankin Campus (3805 Highway 80 E., Pearl). At the Clyde Muse Center. Henry Cho and John Reep perform at the comedy show. Proceeds benefit Stop SMA, a nonprofit dedicated to eradicating spinal muscular atrophy in children. $30; call 601-932-5237; laughawaysma.org.

Monday, Aug. 6

9 a.m., Hinds County Board of Supervisors, at Hinds County Chancery Court (316 S. President St.). The board holds its regular meeting, open to the public. Call 601-968-6501.

Ekklesia School of Ministry and Theology Registration, at Reformed Theological Seminary (5422 Clinton Blvd.). Fall 2012 classes begin Aug. 27. Call for information on classes and fees. Free; call 601-371-1427 or 601-212-1965; email [email protected], [email protected].

Fall Community Enrichment Series, at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.). Most classes begin the week of Sept. 24 and fall into the categories of art, music, fitness, design, business and technology. Call to request a brochure with classes and fees. Call 601-974-1130; millsaps.edu/conted.

Citizens Police Academy Registration. The Jackson Police Department seeks applicants for the program held Sept. 10-17. Learn the police department's public safety and crime prevention methods. Free; call 601-960-1389; email [email protected].

Through Sept. 30

Dog Day Afternoons, at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). Bring your dog to the Art Garden for an afternoon of play Sundays at noon. Shelter dogs available for adoption. Free; call 601-960-1515.

Through Oct. 10

Poker Run, at Fleet Feet Sports (Trace Station, 500 Highway 51 N., Ridgeland), on second Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Participants receive five playing cards during the three-mile run/walk, and the people with the best hand and worst hand win prizes. After-party at Cazadores (500 Highway 51, Suite R, Ridgeland). Free; call 601-899-9696.

Through Oct. 11

Livingston Farmers Market (129 Mannsdale Road, Madison). Open from 4-8 p.m. Thursdays. Call 601-898-0212.

Through Oct. 31

Byram Farmers Market (20 Willow Creek Lane, Byram). Open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 601-373-4545.

Doris Berry's Farmers Market (352 E. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). Open Monday-Saturday from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Call 601-354-0529 or 601-353-1633.

Through Nov. 30

Jackson Roadmap to Health Equity Project's Farmers Market (2548 Livingston Road). Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays. WIC vouchers accepted. Call 601-987-6783.

Through Dec. 15

Run 4 Rehab. The fundraising project benefits rehabilitation services at Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital. Registered runners raise money for each kilometer run through Dec. 15. Donors determine pledge amount per kilometer; visit run4rehab.com.

Mississippi Farmers Market, at Mississippi Farmers Market (929 High St.). Hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. Call 601-354-6573.

Through Dec. 24

Old Fannin Road Farmers Market (1307 Old Fannin Road, Brandon). Open from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Call 601-919-1690.

Through Dec. 31

Your Vote Counts, at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Students get to use a real voting machine to vote on a variety of issues. The Secretary of State's office is the sponsor. Free; call 601-576-6920.

Ongoing Events at Fleet Feet Sports (Trace Station, 500 Highway 51 N., Ridgeland), at the multi-use trail. Open to the public. Free; call 601-899-9696.

• Weekly Group Walk. Walks are Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Walk two or four miles.

• Weekly Group Run. Run 5.4 miles Thursdays at 6 p.m.

• Super Star Senior Adult Walking Club. The group walks Thursdays at 10 a.m.

Toastmasters Club Meetings. Improve your communication skills, and become a better speaker and leader. Membership required. • Public Policy Club 8689 Meetings, at Universities Center (3825 Ridgewood Road). The group meets on first and third Tuesdays at 5:15 p.m. in the computer lab. Call 601-540-8472 or 601-432-6277; visit publicpolicy.freetoasthost.biz.

• "Guess Who's Talking Now" Club 3284 Meetings, at Woolfolk Building (501 N. West St.). The group meets from noon-1 p.m. Tuesdays in the conference room on the first floor. Call 601-359-6653 or 601-359-2573; visit club3284.freetoasthost.net.

Zumba Fitness Classes, at Dance Unlimited Studio (6787 S. Siwell Road, Suite A, Byram). The Latin-inspired aerobics classes are held weekly. Visit peurefun.com for a class schedule. $5; call 601-209-7566.

First Friday Free ADHD Screenings, at the office of Suzanne Russell, LPC (665 Highway 51 N., Ridgeland). Licensed professional counselor Suzanne Russell offers free 30-minute ADHD screenings for children every first Friday of the month. Appointment required. Free; call 601-707-7355.

"Real Divas Read" Book Program. Divas 4 Charity seeks low-income women in college who are need assistance with purchasing textbooks. To qualify, students must have a grade point average of 3.0-4.0 and submit a one-page essay of why they should receive benefits to [email protected]. Benefits include an Amazon Kindle and e-books. The charity also sells $5 raffle tickets to fund the program, and a $100 gas card is given away each month. Call 508-443-4827.

Fitness Center, at Jackson Roadmap to Health Equity Project's Farmers' Market (2548 Livingston Road). Options include aerobics and Zumba classes, equipment for resistance training and toning, and access to a personal trainer. No joining fee or long-term commitment is required. Hours are 8 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturdays. $20 per month; call 601-987-6783.

Diabetes Support Group Meetings, at Baptist Health Systems, Madison Campus (401 Baptist Drive, Madison). Baptist Nutrition Center hosts the meetings on third Thursdays at 1 p.m. Free; call 601-973-1624.

Venture Incubator Talk and Tour Open House, at Venture Incubator (City Centre Building, 200 S. Lamar St., South Tower, 10th floor). Potential or current small business owners, and professionals interested in mentoring small business owners are welcome to meet with Wes Holsapple, president and CEO, and tour the facilities on Mondays from 5-6 p.m. and Wednesdays from noon-1 p.m. Refreshments served. Free; call 601-414-0140.

Jackson 2000 Dialogue Circles Program. The program includes sessions of dialogue and problem-solving to encourage racial harmony and community involvement. Email [email protected].

Events at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.)

• Adopt-a-Park Program Registration, at the Department of Parks and Recreation. Organizations and businesses are encouraged to sign up to help maintain Jackson parks and trails by picking up litter, landscaping and painting. Call 601-960-0471.

• ENCOUNTER Teen Empowerment Corps. On first Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m., Youth Solutions hosts a rally for teens in the Community Room. Activities include spending time with mentors, motivational talks, IGNITE Vocal Talent rehearsal, teen dramas and character development. Free; call 601-829-0323.

Medical Mall Moment Report, at WOAD 1300 AM. Find out about the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation's current activities every second Friday of the month at 8:30 a.m. Call-ins to 601-995-1400 are welcome. The broadcast is also available on jacksonmedicalmall.org. Call 601-982-8467.

Events at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.), at Hederman Cancer Center. Registration required. Free; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.

• Cancer Rehab Classes, in the Activity Room on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m. The class helps cancer patients enhance cardiovascular strength, endurance, their immune system and bone density. It helps to increase overall strength and stamina, decrease fatigue and weight loss, and improve digestion.

• Positive Ones Breast Cancer Support Group. Baptist Cancer Services hosts the meetings on third Mondays at 5:30 p.m.

Weekly Storytime, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Each Tuesday, Baby Bookworms Storytime for children ages birth-36 months is at 9:30 a.m., and Preschool Storytime for children ages 3-6 is at 10:30 a.m. The event includes stories, rhymes, music and a puppet show on the last Tuesday of the month. Free; call 601-932-2562.

Tutoring Sessions and Peer-to-peer Study Groups, at Richard Wright Library (515 W. McDowell Road), in the Community Room. Sessions are every other Saturday from 9-11:30 a.m.; call to confirm dates. Students in grades 8-12 and GED students are welcome to get help with research projects, state subject areas tests, English, science, history and math. School supplies and snacks provided. Free; call 601-948-4725 or 601-372-1621.

Programs on WMPR 90.1 FM and wmpr901.com.

• Women for Progress Radio Broadcast. Dorothy Stewart and Willie Jones host the program on Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. Topics include education, economics and politics. Call 601-918-5137.

• Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. Show. Every Wednesday from 1:30-2:30 p.m., Jackson mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. discusses activities, issues and other newsworthy items that are occurring in the city of Jackson. Call 601-960-1084.

Home Repair Grant Call for Applicants, at Hood Building (200 S. President St.), in suite 316. Seniors 62 and older or disabled citizens may apply between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Bring valid photo ID, a deed or warranty deed, proof of income, homeowner's insurance and a Social Security card. Call 601-960-1438 or 601-960-1491.

On Location TV, on Comcast channel 18. Host and producer Phyllis "Peaches" Robinson spotlights people, places and events in Jackson. The variety talk show airs at 8:30 p.m. Sundays and 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Send an email if you have a story idea for the show. Email [email protected].

Zumba Classes, at Covenant Presbyterian Church (4000 Ridgewood Road). The 45-minute classes are at 8:30 a.m. Fridays. Baby care provided. $5 per class; call 850-572-0055; email [email protected].

NAMI Connection Support Group Meetings. The alliance of individuals with mental illnesses meets Tuesdays at 2 p.m. to share experiences and learn new ways to cope. Trained facilitators lead the meetings. Free; call 601-899-9058 for location information.

NAMI In Our Own Voice Presenter Training, at NAMI Mississippi (411 Briarwood Drive, Suite 401). In Our Own Voice is a public education program that allows trained speakers to share their personal stories of mental illness and recovery. Presenters commit to making at least one presentation per month for one year after the two-day training. Free; call 601-899-9058.

Gentle Joints Aquatic Program, at The Club at St. Dominic's (970 Lakeland Drive). The Arthritis Foundation sponsors the low-intensity water class. Sessions are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 2 p.m. Registration required; club membership optional. $35 for 12 classes, $60 for 24 classes; call 601-200-4925.

Events at St. Dominic Hospital (969 Lakeland Drive). Free.

• Cancer Support Group Meetings. Cancer patients and survivors meet on second Tuesdays at 9 a.m. at the Canter Center. Additional meetings for women are on second Tuesdays at 5 p.m. Call 601-200-3070.

• Caregivers Support Group Meetings. The group meets on second Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in the conference rooms. Call 601-200-6768.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness Family Support Group, in the St. Catherine Room. NAMI Mississippi offers a support group for family members who have an adult relative with a mental illness on second Thursdays at 7 p.m. Free; call 601-899-9058.

Game Night, at Heroes and Dreams (5352 Highway 25, Suite 1650, Flowood). Play video, board and card games Fridays from 7:30-11:30 p.m. Free; call 601-992-3100.

Girl Talk Monthly Live Chat. Chat with an OB/GYN on second Tuesdays at 8 p.m. to ask health questions. Questions can also be emailed ahead of time. Visit mbhs.org/girltalk.

PRIYDE Recycling Drive, at PERICO Institute for Youth Development and Entrepreneurship (PRIYDE) (Jackson Medical Mall, 350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave, Suite 300). The youth advocacy group is collecting electronic equipment to send to FundingFactory for cash. Donate ink and toner cartridges, call phones, MP3 players, GPS devices, digital cameras and laptops. Call 769-251-1408.

After-school Tutoring Program, at Word of Faith Christian Center Church (4890 Clinton Blvd.). At the Teaching Center Building. Math and English tutoring are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. Students much be enrolled at a participating JPS middle school and receive free or reduced-price lunches. Snacks and transportation to the school provided. Registration required. Free; call 601-922-9323.

Remembrance Support Group Meetings, at University of Mississippi Medical Center (2500 N. State St.), in the University Physicians Pavilion, room MO-16. The support group is for those who have experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth or early infant death. Meetings are on first Tuesdays from 6:30-7-30 p.m. Call 601-984-1921.

American Rosie the Riveter Association Membership Drive. ARRA seeks to honor women who were involved in World War II efforts such as factory work, collecting scrap metal or volunteering with the Red Cross. Call 888-557-6743.

Events at Mississippi Children's Museum (2145 Highland Drive). $8, children 12 months and under and members free; call 877-793-5437. • Tinker with Tuesdays. Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m., children ages 4-11 learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics. • ABC Come Play with Me. Wednesdays at 10 a.m., children ages 3 and under enjoy songs, games and learning activities to prepare them for preschool. • Farm Bureau Spotlight. Fridays at 3:30 p.m., children ages 4-11 learn about agriculture and visit one of the galleries for a featured topic.

Ultimate Frisbee Pickup Game, at 800 Garvin St. Sundays at 3 p.m. The sport is played with teams of seven who score by catching and throwing a disc toward an end zone. Visit mississippiultimate.com.

4 Suits Bridge Club, at Flowood Library (103 Winners Circle, Flowood). Players compete Mondays from 1-4:30 p.m. Free; call 601-919-1911.

Art in Mind Art Program, at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). The Alzheimer's Association of Mississippi offers the program on fourth Wednesdays at 10 a.m. for people with early-stage dementia and their caregivers. Participants tour the galleries and make art in the studio classroom. Registration required; space limited. Registration forms available at alz.org/ms. Free; call 601-987-0020.

Senior Aides Program. The city of Jackson offers the part-time job program to low-income seniors ages 55 and up. Participants receive assistance in finding a job during the training process. Applicants must have state ID, a Social Security card, proof of income and a utility bill to sign up. Call 601-960-0335.

Early Childhood Development Program. The city of Jackson offers child-care services for ages six weeks to 4 years at Jones Early Childhood Development Center (2050 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive), and ages 1-4 at Virden Early Childhood Development Center (3159 Edwards Ave.) and Westside Early Childhood Development Center (1450 Wiggins Road). Register weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at either location. Bring items such as proof of income, proof of residency, a birth certificate and immunization records; call for a complete list of documents. Call 601-960-0335.